By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) has called for stronger aviation safety oversight,
investment in skilled personnel, and responsible adoption of innovation as the
Asia-Pacific region experiences rapid growth and transformation in air transport.
Speaking at the 2026 Asia
Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety in Osaka, Japan, ICAO Council President
Toshiyuki Onuma highlighted the region’s potential to lead the future of global
aviation while emphasising the need for continued focus on safety standards.
“By demonstrating how to
achieve excellence in aviation safety in these times of dramatic growth and
change, Asia-Pacific can lead 21st century air transport worldwide,” Onuma said
in his keynote address.
The ICAO Council President
said the continued expansion of aviation requires governments and industry
stakeholders to strengthen safety oversight systems, develop skilled aviation
professionals, reinforce State Safety Programmes and National Aviation Safety
Plans, and ensure that emerging technologies are adopted responsibly.
The summit brought together
government representatives, aviation industry leaders, and safety stakeholders
from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for maintaining safe,
secure, and sustainable air transport.
During his mission to Japan,
President Onuma also met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara in Tokyo,
where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in advancing
international civil aviation safety and sustainability.
ICAO said collaboration
among governments, regulators, and industry players remains critical to
ensuring that aviation growth is supported by effective safety frameworks and
innovative solutions.
